Chef John's Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy
Category: Turkey food recipes / Sauces recipes
Ingredients
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 ribs celery, chopped
- 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
- 2 large turkey wings
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- 10 cups cold water
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 cloves garlic
- 3 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste
- salt and ground black pepper to taste
Directions
-
Gather all ingredients, and preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
-
Combine onion, carrots, celery, and oil in a large roasting pan; toss to coat. Place turkey wings on top of vegetables.
-
Roast in the preheated oven until turkey wings are browned and vegetables are caramelized and softened, 45 to 60 minutes.
-
Transfer turkey wings and vegetables to a large stockpot.
-
Place the roasting pan over a stovetop burner set to medium heat. Pour 2 tablespoons cold water into the pan and bring to a boil, scraping up any browned bits.
-
Pour mixture into the stockpot and add 10 cups cold water, thyme, and garlic.
-
Bring turkey wing mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, until meat falls off the bone, about 3 hours. Skim off turkey fat throughout the process, reserving 2 tablespoons.
-
Strain turkey stock and reserve 6 cups stock; discard all solids.
-
Heat butter and reserved turkey fat in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook until it smells like cooked pie crust, 2 to 3 minutes.
-
Slowly pour in reserved turkey stock, whisking constantly.
-
Increase heat to high and simmer gravy until thick and warmed through, about 5 minutes. Season with cayenne, salt, and black pepper.
-
Serve and enjoy!